Thieves World 01 – Thieves World by Asprin, Robert

I am hungry and athirst.’ Taken to a private room, Lythande ate and drank,

served by Myrtis’s own hands. And Myrtis said, ‘I could never have sworn your

vow – to eat and drink in the sight of no man!’

‘If you sought the power of a magician, you would keep it well enough,’ said

Lythande. ‘I am seldom tempted now to break it; I fear only lest I break it

unawares; I cannot drink in a tavern lest among the women there might be some

one of those strange men who find diversion in putting on the garments of a

female; even here I will not eat or drink among your women, for that reason.

All power depends on the vows and the secret.’

‘Then I cannot aid you,’ Myrtis said, ‘but you are not bound to speak truth to

her; tell her you have vowed to live without women.’

‘I may do that,’ Lythande said, and finished the food, scowling.

Later Bercy was brought in, wide-eyed, enthralled by her fine gown and her

freshly washed hair, softly curling about her pink-and-white face and the sweet

scent of bath oils and perfumes that hung about her.

‘The girls here wear such pretty clothes, and one of them told me they could eat

twice a day if they wished! Am I pretty enough, do you think, that Madame Myrtis

would have me here?’

‘If that is what you wish. You are more than beautiful.’

Bercy said boldly, ‘I would rather belong to you, magician,’ and flung herself

again on Lythande, her hands clutching and clinging, dragging the lean face down

to hers. Lythande, who rarely touched anything living, held her gently, trying

not to reveal consternation.